lunes, 28 de enero de 2008

I didnt write this.. but I found it on the Internet and I thought you'd need to know this 8 tips from a real tourist: enjoy..

"Here are my top ten rules and travel tips for anyone planning a trip to Costa Rica. I have listed them in order of importance. The tips are invaluable to you having a safe and fun time in this wonderful country. Please don’t let this scare or dissuade you from traveling to Costa Rica. If you follow these simple rules; I am sure you will have the time of your life and a safe trip.

Never leave your bags inside you vehicle unattended, particularly at tourist spots.I would say the number one occurrence of theft in Costa Rica is caused by tourist leaving their bags and valuables in plain sight in their vehicles.You’re asking for trouble if you don’t follow this rule closely.While I was in Bagaces, I was fortunate enough to have a local tour guide who showed me around to all the best tourists’ spots like the Bagaces waterfalls.Two days earlier, a group of tourist who had just landed at the Liberia airport, stopped by there quickly to walk down and take a look at these beautiful waterfalls.They left their bags in the car while heading down; only to return to find their window broken at all their valuables stolen.Their wallets, passports, and everything else was taken on their second day in Costa Rica. Unfortunately, at most secluded spots like this one, there is no police presence and local thieves pray on these particular areas.Use the trunk if possible, or drop your bags off at the hotel or hostel if you’re before heading to this kind of location.

The second most common occurrence of theft occurs while using the public bus system.Particularly when traveling to and from San Jose, groups of thieves will look for tourists on the bus and attempt to pick-pocket them while they’re loading or unloading their bags.Usually it will be a female who attempts to distract you and invade your personal space while the accomplice will attempt to pick-pocket you.They’re professionals and will be very unassuming and quick; so be on guard.You can prevent this by being aware, watching out for your friends, and not letting anyone invade your personal space.In addition, it is a good idea to keep your passports, money, and credit cards in a travel belt that you can put around your waist and tuck away; or the shoulder belts that you can hide under your shirt.I know these belts aren’t the most popular or stylish items; but even having one for your group to use when going from location to location is a good idea.The Interbus, which is mostly used by tourist, is the safest and best way to travel in Costa Rica for a little extra money.Usually, 30 to 40 bucks will get you anywhere you need to go. http://www.interbusonline.com

Always keep a backup source of money, keep a bank card or credit card in a separate location.You should always have some sort of alternative means to get money if you’re the unfortunate victim of a theft.I always keep my most valuable cards and money with my passport in my travel belt.However, I also keep one bank card or credit card stashed away somewhere hidden in my bag along with a little petty cash.This way, if your wallet or purse gets snatched, you will have something to really on.Traveler checks are always a good idea as well; and be sure to keep the receipts in a separate location from the checks.

Get to know the flawed banking system in Costa Rica.In the major cities like Tamarindo, Jaco, and Liberia this won’t be a problem; but in the smaller tourist spots like Santa Theresa and Manuel Antonie, there is often only one ATM that will decline cards for no reason 40 to 50 percent of the time.Even if the ATM says you can use your card with the Plus system or whatever, for a reason that was never explained to me, it often doesn’t work.So if you’re heading to a smaller city, always take out money before you leave.With today’s modern banking, Traveler Checks have become less popular; but I would have been up shits creek without them on my trip.Two times, I was in towns that had inadequate ATM that wouldn’t work for me, as with many other travelers.It was so bad that the people behind you in line would ask you if it worked because this is such a common occurrence.In Santa Theresa, it was not uncommon to see backpackers in the local liquor stores asking people if they could purchase their booze on credit card and get cash back from the purchase because they had no other means of getting money.

When you head to the beach leave your valuables safely put away at place you’re staying.In addition, if you head into the water; put your sandals and beach stuff next to someone who will watch it.You can ask almost anyone; preferably someone who looks like they’re on the same type of trip as you.Everyone that I asked was happy to do this for me and I didn’t lose a thing while at the beach.They will take whatever they can get, including your 10$ sandals, so be safe rather then sorry.If you’re a surfer, who is heading to remote locations; try burying or hiding your stuff somewhere on the beach out of view from people passing by. Furthermore, don’t leave or put down your camera or purse on the tables or bars.One girl that I met from Miami, got pretty hammered one night, and while fluttering around the bar kept leaving her purse and camera laying around.Twice I picked it up and gave it back to her; but she ended up losing it anyways.Before she had time to cancel the credit cards; the thief was able to charge over 190$ at the local gas station.I also witnessed a German lady have her pursed snatched from the back of the chair she hung it on.The assailant made a quick snatch and run to the beach and ended up getting away; keep your purse on your lap or tuck neatly underneath the table at all times.

Get to know the Ocean by asking questions about the right locations for swimming and surfing.The rip currents and hidden rocks can end your vacation in a hurry; so ask for information before you dive in.Its always a good idea to follow the crowd when in doubt: if you don’t see anybody in the water at a certain location, then there is probably a reason for it.

Never disrespect the locals.It’s their view regardless of your situation, that we have everything and they have nothing.Treating locals poorly or without respect is asking for trouble.In addition, never get into a conflict with a local at the bar; they always stick together against the Gringos (which is you or any other traveler), regardless if they’re friends or not.They never fight fair and always use bottles, so don’t bother thinking about winning.They pride themselves on knowing this and have the winning record to prove it.If a situation does occur, my best advice is to say sorry and Pura Vida.Saying Pura Vida with compassion in your eyes may just save your life.Ultimately, the locals are very friendly and helpful people who are out for a good time as well.In my month stay in Costa Rica, I was out every night and only saw two fights.Both included ignorant Americans, bottles and victory going to the home team.

Ask, ask, and ask; and always use your common sense.The people working at the hotels and restaurants are your best source of information.So just ask; ask what to do, and what not to do, this will help your trip will be a safe one.

Avoid San Jose if possible, or spend the least amount of time there you can.San Jose is considered by the locals the shame of Costa Rica, and for good reasons.It’s the only place you will find robberies as apposed to petty theft.Land at LiberiaAirport if possible, or get the hell out of San Jose as soon as you can.Port Limon is also a place you want to avoid.It’s the drug port of Costa Rica which is controlled by fierce gangs who even intimidate the local authorities by threatening their families.Even the locals don’t go out at night in Port Limon and you shouldn’t either.

Make a local friend.They people of Costa Rica are a beautiful people; they consider themselves to be one of the friendliest and happiest people in the world.I believe this to be a very true statement.All the locals that I met were wonderful and very kind.I made many local friends who I knew would help me out of an unpleasant situation if necessary.Especially once you leave the big tourist cities where all of the crime happens, the locals are from small farming communities where helping others is a part of everyday life.I heard more stories of locals helping travelers here then any other third world country I can think of.From being lost to having a flat tire, the locals want to help you and show tourists their pleasant and charming nature, as well as the beauty of their country. These are precautionary rules and guide lines to follow while traveling to Costa Rica or any country in Central America.Please don’t let this discourage you from heading to Costa Rica: thousands of tourist and travelers head down there every year and have a safe and amazing trip.The chance of someting bad happening are very slim and if you follow these simple rules, I can almost give you a 100% guarantee you will not have any problems on your journey or vacation.Pura Vida and safe travels…"

While you are on the zip-line you can find monkeys, tucans, snakes, sloths, birds of all kinds, rivers, and more!If you like the adventure and the nature this is a Great Combination to make! Its really exciting!Im affraid to heights.. and even though Im Affraid to heights its a really nice experience!!

Costa Rica is one of the most tourist-friendly countries in Latin America. Many enjoy zip lines, rafting, hiking, tours, etc. The natural beauty of Costa Rica is unparalleled with lush green rainforests full of plant and animal life. To say you've seen the country, you must visit the national parks.

The roads are usually in bad shape and are rarely straight. You will find yourself taking much longer to travel what looks like very small distances on the map.

It is difficult to find handicrafts made in Costa Rica, and it is virtually impossible to purchase a product that is "Made in Costa Rica" as many of the items are in fact made in China. Unlike in Guatemala, for example, the people have much more money and live a more modern life style. However, there are amazing pieces of artwork made from natural woods, and small wooden carts painted as the traditional ox-drawn carts were painted, are popular with tourists.

Costa Rica has a very relaxing way of life. What's known as "Tico time" is not as slow as some of the other countries but it is certainly slow by North American standards.

Costa Rica is a very safe place to invest or purchase property. Besides Panama, the country is one of the most stable political centres and economies in the region. Petty crime can be a problem in the major cities. But overall, Costa Rica is one of the friendliest places to visit in Latin America.